Understanding Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment for Men and Women

Angina pectoris, also known as angina chest pain, is a sign of a heart problem that causes discomfort or pain in the chest. This serious condition results from inadequate blood supply to the cardiac muscles and usually indicates underlying cardiovascular issues. It is important to be able to identify and interpret the signs of angina, especially the gender-specific differences in how they manifest in men and women, to take appropriate action and administer treatment without any delays.

The blog explores angina pectoris symptoms, including how they differ between men and women. It will also mention some of the treatment options for angina. Understanding these distinctions can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better management of this potentially life-threatening condition.

What is Angina Pectoris?

When the heart lacks enough oxygenated blood, it causes chest pain referred to as angina pectoris. This disease is often seen as a sign of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is characterised by blockage or constriction of the coronary arteries.

Causes of Angina

There can be various reasons that one experiences angina, and they include:

• The arteries are blocked due to a decrease in blood flow.
• Physical activity, emotional stress, or other factors can cause an increased need for oxygen.

Symptoms of Angina

Along with chest pain, patients with angina may experience other symptoms too, and they include:

• The chest feels tight, along with a painful or burning feeling.
• The pain goes to the neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, or back.
• It is difficult to breathe, feel like vomiting, have a spinning head, or sweat too much.

Also Read: Is Heart Bypass Surgery Safe?

Types of Angina

Depending on its occurrence, angina is classified into the following types:

Stable Angina

• It happens when one is either exercising or under emotional pressure.
• Signs can be foreseen and get better after taking a break or medications.

Unstable Angina

• It is an unpredictable condition that may occur even at rest.
• This is a medical emergency that may indicate an impending heart attack.

Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina

• A coronary artery spasm triggers this form of angina. These spasms can lead to the narrowing of arteries, causing reduced blood flow to the heart.
• It happens most times when one is relaxed, particularly at night or in the wee hours of the morning.

Also Read: How to Handle Medical Emergencies

Angina Symptoms: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Common Symptoms of Angina

Chest pain may not be the only symptom of angina, and patients experience other symptoms. Below is the list of the commonly experienced symptoms of angina:

• Chest pain that gives a feeling of tightness, heaviness, or pressure.
• Radiating pain in the arm, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
• Difficulty in breathing
• Lightheadedness
• Vomiting
• Perspiration

Angina Symptoms in Men

Classic symptoms of angina pain in men include:

• Crushing chest pain
• Pain shooting to the left arm or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Uneasiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness

Angina Symptoms in Women

Women frequently suffer from less pronounced or irregular angina signs like:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual exhaustion
• Difficulty in breathing but no chest pain
• Pain or discomfort in the upper belly or back

Many times, people confuse these signs with different illnesses in women, which results in the condition being underestimated or treatment postponed.

Angina Attack

An angina attack occurs when the heart’s oxygen demand exceeds its supply.  It often causes chest pain or a feeling of pressure for a short period. Rest or medications can improve stable angina, but worsening or prolonged pain may be a sign of a heart attack. Call for immediate medical help if:

• Pain persists for more than a few minutes.
• Symptoms manifest even when one is not active, or they are extremely intense.
• Some other symptoms are passing out or feeling very sick.

Also Read: How to Avoid Heart Attack in Younger Age

Causes of Angina Pectoris

Various factors contribute to the increased chances of one having angina pectoris, and they include:

Health Conditions Contributing to Angina

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow.
• High Blood Pressure: Increases strain on the heart.
• Diabetes: Damages blood vessels and contributes to atherosclerosis.
• High Cholesterol: This leads to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Obesity: Increases cardiovascular risk factors.

Lifestyle Factors

• A diet that is poor and contains high levels of saturated fats and processed foods is a risk factor for heart disease. 
• Inadequate exercise
• Smoking, a vice that harms blood vessels
• Chronic stress, which increases the workload on the heart

Triggers for Angina Pain

• Physical exertion
• Emotional stress
• Cold weather
• Heavy meals

Genetic Factors

• A family history of heart disease increases risk.
• After menopause, women might be at a higher risk due to hormonal alterations.

Gender Differences in Angina Symptoms

Why Men and Women Experience Angina Differently

The significant role played by hormonal differences is evident, especially in the way estrogen protects women who have not reached menopause. A woman’s risk increases after menopause due to changes in her hormonal balance.

• Women: Diagnosing the condition is difficult because the signs are usually not typical, for instance, tiredness, vomiting, and backache.
• Men: Angina is easily recognizable since it is less prevalent than typical chest pain.

Challenges in Diagnosis for Women

Women may experience symptoms that imitate non-cardiac diseases, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. This shows that it is important for both healthcare providers and patients to be extra careful.

Also Read: How to Beat Heart Attack Risks

How is Angina Diagnosed?

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Exam and Health History: Assessing risk factors such as family history, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions.

Tests for Angina

The following tests are recommended for the detection and diagnosis of angina:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects abnormal heart rhythms or damage.
• Stress Test: Evaluates heart function during physical activity.
• Coronary Angiography: Identifies blockages in coronary arteries.
• Blood Tests: Measures cholesterol and enzyme levels.
• Imaging Tests: CT scans and MRIs provide detailed heart images.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early detection of angina may avert fatal complications such as heart attacks and enhance treatment success.

Angina Treatment Options

There are multiple treatment approaches available for angina management:

• Adopting a heart-healthy diet such as fruits, vegetables, and foods made from whole grains.
• Exercising regularly and having an active lifestyle.
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques and mindfulness.

Medications

• Nitrates: Relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels.
• Beta-Blockers: Reduce heart rate and oxygen demand.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Improve blood flow and reduce arterial spasms.
• Blood Thinners: Prevent clot formation, which is necessary for easy blood flow.

Surgical Treatments

• Angioplasty and Stenting: Open narrowed arteries.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG): Redirects blood flow around blockages.

Gender-Specific Treatments

Men and women may have different treatment plans, with particular reference to medication dosages and lifestyle recommendations tailored to hormonal influences.

Also Read: How to Prevent Heart Disease: Tips for a Stronger, Healthier Heart

Preventing Angina Pectoris

There are several angina pectoris prevention measures; adopting them can reduce one’s angina risk and improve the overall quality of life.

Managing Risk Factors

• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• Quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Consume a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and high in fibre. 
• Be active and control stress.

Regular Medical Check-Ups

Regular observation may detect the initial symptoms of heart disease and minimize the chances of angina.

Conclusion

Angina pectoris acts as a warning sign for potential heart problems. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment of angina can help people stay ahead with their heart health. Early recognition and gender-specific considerations play a crucial role in effective diagnosis and treatment.

In case of chest pain or discomfort, which are symptoms of angina, one should see the top cardiologists at HCG Hospitals, which has super-specialty hospitals in Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, and Hubli. HCG Hospitals is among the leading healthcare facilities in the country that provide advanced cardiology to promote your well-being. 

For more information on cardiac care services and to book appointments with some of the best cardiologists in India at HCG, please visit HCG Hospitals — the Best Heart Hospital in India for Comprehensive Cardiac Care.